A Coggins test screens horses’ blood for antibodies that are indicative of the presence of the EIA virus. | Photo: Alexandra Beckstett/The Horse

The disease was discovered subsequent to a purchase-related veterinary test requested by the horse’s new owner; no clinical signs were evident prior to the test.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) officials continue to investigate and have enacted movement controls on the affected horse and potentially exposed animals on the premises. The quarantine will remain in effect until all disease response protocols have been completed, including follow-up testing, contact tracing, and euthanasia of positive animals.

About EIA

Equine infectious anemia is a viral disease that attacks horses’ immune systems. The virus is transmitted through the exchange of body fluids from an infected to an uninfected animal, often by blood-feeding insects such as horseflies. It can also be transmitted through the use of blood-contaminated instruments or needles